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About Brand & Martínez

Brand & Martínez, exclusively on 89.3 KPCC, 89.1 KUOR and 90.3 KVLA, captures the spirit of the West in a conversational, informal, witty style and examines the cultural issues people are buzzing about. Hosted by Madeleine Brand and A Martínez, and produced by Kristen Muller, Steve Proffitt and Sanden Totten, the show includes regular segments like Weird L.A. - highlighting a person, place or thing that you've never heard about, but probably should; Parenting on the Edge - a weekly discussion on the challenges and pitfalls of raising kids; as well as regular contributors like Luke Burbank, Rico Gagliano, Brendan Newnam and John Moe to help dissect culture, technology and business news.

Recent Episodes from Brand & Martínez

Coming up, a new study finds that the least-educated whites in the U.S. are dying sooner. We'll talk with one of the researchers. NASA shuttle Endeavour flies over Los Angeles today before its expected landing at LAX. We'll check in with reporters as it makes its way over the city. And author Susan Straight has created an incredible environment through her trilogy of novels about the fictional city Rio Seco. Her newest novel, called Between Heaven and Here, explores the reactions of the mostly black residents of Rio Seco to the murder of a young prostitute. And we'll talk about the biggest news stories of the week with Molly Ball, politics writer for The Atlantic and James Rainey, political writer for the LA Times.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton briefs lawmakers behind closed doors today, could the killing of Libyan Ambassador Chris Stevens have been prevented with better protection? Also, a new study on whether repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell affected military morale. Endeavour fever takes over Los Angeles, the space shuttle finally arrives this morning. And, why are singing competition shows so popular? We discuss the voice wars on TV. The political ads in battleground states are overwhelming, but will they make a difference? And we'll take a look at the more ... outlandish ... ads that try to grab attention. How are the Chinese elite saving Las Vegas? A new congressional district here in Southern California reveals waning power among black voters. The Sklar Brothers are here with the latest highlights in sports, and we find out 'How to Survive a Plague.' A new documentary examines how the group ACT-UP forced drug companies to take AIDS seriously and come up with effective treatments.

AEG recently announced it's for sale. The company that owns the Staples Center, the Kings and part of the Lakers looking for someone with very deep pockets. We'll find out what this means for a football stadium downtown. Also, could predicting the winner of the next presidential election lie in button sales? Then, we discuss a California initiative that would require labels for genetically modified food. And, Who Stole the American Dream? A new book by Hedrick Smith has some surprising answers. Is taking DNA samples from suspects unconstitutional? It's a potent crime fighting tool, but a federal court hears arguments today on whether DNA swabs are illegal search and seizure. How can parents and educated help gifted, but often misunderstood, children? It's pink and it's proud, the Beverly Hills Hotel turns 100 years young, and film buff Mark Jordan Legan is here with the best back-to-school movies.

KPCC's Kevin Ferguson tours Terminal Island, one of the most endangered places in the country. A video shot at a fundraiser shows GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney stating that 47 percent of Ameicans believe they're entitled to help from the government. What will this latest gaffe mean for a campaign that's had a series of missteps? Also, Pat Krug tells us everything you've ever wanted to know about the sex life of sea slugs. Then, we look at pop-up governments in Syria, and how groups of civilians are trying to impose law in the middle of war. A key part of the exit strategy in Afghanistan is now being put on hold. As attacks on NATO troops escalate, the military suspends its joint patrols with Afghans, possibly putting the country's security in jeopardy. We'll take a look at the long history of America's involvement in Afghanistan. Blockbuster video game 'Borderlands 2' hits stores today, we'll have a preview. And its New Music Tuesday, we'll discuss the latest from Kanye and Carly Rae Jepsen.